YORK RI host basement side Sheffield Oaks tomorrow with the Yorkshire Four south east division title on the horizon.

Despite defeat to Stanley Rodillians at the weekend - only their second of the season - RI remain six points ahead of Mosborough, who have three games left to play and 35 points to their name.

With two fixtures remaining for RI, their destiny will be in their hands if they earn bonus-point victories in both. RI’s final outing of the south east season comes on January 11 at home to Stocksbridge.

Even if RI do not take the championship crown, they are guaranteed to progress to the Yorkshire Four premier division competition along with the three others from south east and the top four from the north west tier.

Last week’s loss at Rodillians began poorly for the visitors, who found themselves 5-0 down early on.

Stern words from skipper Frazer Land jolted RI back into it, supported by a number of penalties for high tackles. Persistent infringements saw Rodillians reduced to 13 men and, with the extra space, number eight Lewis Starbuck was able to cruise over for a five-pointer.

A couple of missed tackles after the restart allowed Stanley over for a converted try.

RI responded by turning over a Rods five-metre scrum, touched down by Hugh Finnegan and converted by Chris Jones.

The final half-hour was - frustratingly for the strong RI pack - played with uncontested scrums as a Rodillians forward went off injured and there was no forward replacement available. From one such set piece, Rodillians went over for the winning score and conversion.

In North One East, deposed leaders York will be looking for a way back to the summit when they host Durham City, while Pocklington travel to Huddersfield YMCA and Malton & Norton visit Percy Park.

It is third against fourth in Yorkshire One as Beverley host Selby.

RI's Yorkshire Four south east rivals Nestle Rowntree - who are in with a chance of making the premier division cut - could do RI a favour tomorrow when they play Mosborough.